People come to see a counselor for a variety of reasons. Here are some thoughts about counseling, to help you understand what to expect.Seeing a counselor does not have to imply an emotional "emergency". Although people often seek out help when there is a lot of intensity in their lives, therapy can be helpful with a variety of problems. Some people simply need to have their better instincts validated, or their poorer instincts confronted. Sometimes there is just a strong sense that "things aren't right", when someone might need ot sort something out about which their level of confusion has made them uncomfortable.Other issues require more, and longer, attention. Immediate relief for personal discomfort is not always possible, perhaps because the problems are deeply seated or the situation does not allow needed changes to move at an optimal speed. Some people find it helpful to "deconstruct and reconstruct" themselves to some extent, and their discomfort can motivate them to do the work they need to do to help themselves feel better and learn how to deal with a particular problem or set of problems.Whatever your experience, I hope I will help you understand that there is no shame in admitting that you need some clarification or support. Professionals like me have spent years learning how to help. It is rare to have a forum to share the most intimate part of yourself; it is also rare to find out that these parts are not as scary or shameful as you might have imagined. Emotional wounds are like physical wounds, in that both will fester and cause more problems over the long run if not given the time and attention that they need. Your willingness to seek counseling is a courageous act, a good start to feeling better.
